Community volunteers have condemned further damage at Wellholme Park, where stonework has been ripped from walls and smashed just months after the popular green space reopened following major flood alleviation works.
A community group has condemned what it describes as mindless vandalism at Wellholme Park in Brighouse, after stone slabs were ripped from walls and smashed near the park's rose garden.
The latest damage has affected the walls on either side of the steps leading to the rose garden, where stone coping slabs have been pulled away and broken on the ground.
Additional stones have also been removed from the walls and dumped nearby.
The damage was reported on Monday, 12 October, just two days after volunteers had dealt with an earlier incident involving displaced stonework and graffiti on a park pathway.
Further damage after major park improvements
The incidents come just months after large sections of Wellholme Park reopened following two years of flood alleviation work.
The popular Brighouse green space had already experienced problems with vandalism since reopening, including two fires reported in August, less than a fortnight after the park welcomed visitors back.
The latest incident has caused particular frustration among members of Friends of Wellholme Park, who work to maintain and improve the park for the local community.
In a statement, the group said:
"These mindless acts of vandalism are not only upsetting to see, but also come at a cost to the taxpayer and leave unsightly damage in a park that so many of us take pride in maintaining and keeping welcoming for our community."
Council praised for swift response
Friends of Wellholme Park thanked Calderdale Council for responding quickly to the latest damage and securing the affected area to protect visitors.
The group also urged residents to report incidents of vandalism, criminal damage and anti-social behaviour directly to the police.
Volunteers explained that while they welcome information from the community, they cannot always respond immediately because of their other commitments.
The group said:
"It is deeply disappointing that some people show so little respect for the places we share and the community they belong to."
Despite the setbacks, volunteers say they remain determined to continue their work.
Halloween event to go ahead
The damage comes ahead of a family Halloween event being organised by Friends of Wellholme Park.
The free Wellholme Park Cemetery Halloween quiz is scheduled for Saturday, 31 October.
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